The Truth Hurts

12 │gut feeling

"I don't know. I mean, I barely know the guy. Scratch that, I've known him most of my life. But I never knew him like this. I really do like him, but I just feel like something is wrong, you know?"

Casey continues to talk as her and Taylor walk past one of the shops inside the Riverside Mall. Taylor peers over at the nearby window they pass, focusing on the mannequin of a young boy wearing a red sweater.

"Earth to Taylor."

"Huh?" Taylor spins around.

Casey flings her several shopping bags at her side. "Where have you been?!"

"I was listening."

"Uh huh." She rolls her eyes and carries on talking. "I mean, Tay, you would tell me if I'm spazzing out, right? I know it's been a while since I've been in a serious relationship but this one feels right. Lately though he's just been kinda distant."

They stop next to a railing that overlooks the first floor of the mall. Paige and one of the sophomore cheerleaders, Kira Walker, exit from a store on the first level. Kira has long blonde hair that she often styles in a loose ponytail she lets ride on her shoulder. She's always peppy and full of energy, a girl that often gets taken advantage of for her blind kindness. The polar opposite of Paige. Taylor watches as the two walk over to the escalator.

"I think you should stop seeing him." Taylor blurts out.

"What? Why?"

"If he's been acting distant, then clearly he's just not that committed to the relationship." She lies. She has known for years that Riley is head over heels for Casey, and she knows why he's acting different. But she doesn't want her best friend being drug into this mess they made, Casey doesn't deserve that. Especially if there is someone out there who is targeting them.

After all, that is why she has been keeping her distance with Marc lately. The fewer people involved, the better. She knows she has to break up with him, for his own well being, but doesn't know how to do it or what to say. How do you tell someone you love that it's over?

Casey shakes her head as she twirls one of the shopping bags with her fingers. "No, I don't think so..."

"Case, Riley is a football player. Just like Morgan. And although I hate to mention this and bring up disturbing imagery that will take years to scrub out of my mind, Morgan has probably had sex with half of the cheerleading team."

"Riley isn't Morgan." Casey's tone grows defensive.

Taylor continues to stare at the first level as she tries her best to avoid eye contact. "No, but he's his friend. One of his best friends. Wolves like to travel in packs."

"I don't get that simile."

"Metaphor."

Shaking her head again, Casey peers over the railing to follow Taylor's gaze. "Whatever. Look, Riley is a good guy. Although it scares the hell out of me to admit it, I trust him. And you know I don't do that easily."

Taylor bites her tongue.

"I just want to find out what's going on with him and see if I can help."

"Casey!" Paige hollers from a balcony across from them. "Practice before school! Don't be late!"

Flicking her palm out, Casey acknowledges her with the f-off gesture and doesn't even bother to look her way.

Rolling her eyes, Paige storms off past the escalators toward one of the clothing stores, followed by her minion.

Sighing, a pestered Casey turns to Taylor. "Do they sell guns at the mall?"